Former Norfolk resident is team captain

By Leila Javitch
Anyone searching for a pleasant and helpful way to spend a June day should consider participating in the Race for the Cure, a five-kilometer (5k) walk/run for breast cancer research. The race will take place in Hartford on Saturday, June 5, in conjunction with similar races throughout the United States. It is the 17th annual fund-raising event in Hartford for the foundation known as the Susan B. Komen Race for the Cure, the world’s largest breast cancer charity. Last year 10,000 walkers and runners-women, men and many children-participated in the Hartford event and raised over $750,000. 75% of the funds raised remain in Connecticut for research, screening and treatment programs, while 25% goes to awards and grants for global research.
Former Norfolk resident Dianna Christinat, now of Colebrook, walked the course in 2007 and has run the race twice, raising over $1,200 each time. This year she has been appointed team captain for Colebrook and Norfolk. Christinat describes the event as an “awesome experience” where old friends meet, and new friendships are made in a festive, happy atmosphere. She says that for survivors of breast cancer like herself, and for other participants as well, it is a moving and inspirational day because everyone knows someone who has battled cancer. Christinat hopes that many individuals from both Colebrook and Norfolk will register for the race, and she also urges colleagues who work or socialize together to register as a team.

Dianna Christnat (row two, second from right) and other participants await the beginning of a prior year’s Race for the Cure.

The Susan B. Komen Race for the Cure started as a grassroots effort after Nancy K. Brinker promised her dying sister Susan that she would do everything she could to end breast cancer. The first race was held in Dallas, Texas in 1983 and had 800 runners. Now the organization’s membership includes 100,000 cancer survivors and activists. Many work, as does Christinat, at the local level to mobilize friends and neighbors to participate in fund-raising events such as Race for a Cure. Other members advocate at local, state, and federal levels for better screening and treatment programs. There is also a global reach. Community health grants are awarded for education, screening and treatment projects where they are needed most. According to their Web site, the Susan G. Komen Foundation has contributed more than 45 million dollars to cancer research.
Christinat says that the participants who will gather at Bushnell Park will be able to choose among five races on June 5th. As well as the 5k run and the 4k walk, there are two races for children and a 1.5k walk for those who prefer it. And anyone who’s had a difficult week or just likes to sleep late can also stay at home and register for the Sleep In For the Cure. In addition, there are many vendors and all activities are free of charge.
With that many activity options and a great cause to support, Christinat is hopeful that residents of Norfolk and Colebrook will be eager to participate. For further information or to donate, contact Dianna Christinat at 860-738-3720 or go to her profile page at komenct.org, click on Race for the Cure, then the donate tab.

Photo By Margaret Curtiss